Neon gets replaced

[rsublime4life]

Originally Posted by Miguel M.

Hello boostdog and thank you for the feedback.

The 2007 Dodge Caliber will in fact be available in an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) version. For the most up-to-date 2007 Dodge Caliber information, be sure to check out the link contained within this message. You will notice that the R/T trim comes standard in AWD with the 2.4L DOHC 16V dual camshaft VVT 4-cylinder/Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2) w/AutoStick®. If you happen to have any additional comments or questions regarding the 2007 Dodge Caliber, feel free to post.

I would be more than happy to help.

Miguel M.

Where will that cvt2 keep the rpms at WOT? Will it keep it at peak power?

[neon_rt]

My understanding of the information (from Dodge) is that the CVT2 will simulate a 6 speed auto trans rather than an actuall CVT. Customers tend to not like CVT's b/c it feels like the trans is slipping when it is changing ratios to raise the RPM to meet the power requirement. I would think that the tuner community will be coming out with optional programming to meet their needs shortly after the Caliber comes out. If you have ever driven one (CVT), it is alarming when you stomp the loud pedal and the RPMS flash to MAX RPM and stay there as you pickup speed. I don't like it. I will probably buy the one with the Manual 5-Speed. Actually, I probably won't buy a Caliber b/c they are not offering the Engine/Trans combo I want (2.4l/5-speed), if you want a 5-speed the only engine is the 1.8l. The Jeep Compass (same chassis) is going to come standard with 2.4l/5-speed, that is what I will be looking at.

[rsublime4life]

I just bought an '05 SRT-4. I'm not looking at anything right now. I just wanted to know. Cant imagine how quick my srt-4 would be if i could maintain constant peak power without having to shift. That would be pimp. Thanks for your input.

[96neonwidriver]

somewhat nice setup however again whats wh=ith the hatchback it seems to look like the caravan and magnum thrown together. soo with that said, miguel, are we going to have any other choices than the stratus and viper to get a "car" rather than the focus looking deal. i like my neon because it has the trunk. its a security feature. cause i can put things in there and not have it open to the rest of the car and then be able to fold down the seats for bigger items. some of the features are great though man. glove compartment is cool and the center dash is very sleek looking. however are we going to be able to get the regular glove compartment, i like putting my electronic equipment in there, ie, computer, turbo boost, gauges, cd changer, and any other crazy custom items. nice car though honestly. ill test drive it. you still should look at a caliber without the hatch back. just my opinion.

bob

[das2123]

Originally Posted by Miguel M.

If you happen to have any additional comments or questions regarding the 2007 Dodge Caliber, feel free to post.
I would be more than happy to help.
Miguel M.

What is the reason DCX is doing away with the neon?

[Turbodog97]

Alright here are my two cents-
First off, it was pretty upsetting enough that the Srt-4 was put to a close after only 3 short years of production but somewhat understandable since the Neon line is ending too. What makes it really messed up, though, is the fact that this is supposed to be the vehicle that replaces the srt/neon. Whoever designed it was seriously on major crack. Even if it is 300 horsepower+/awd, it doesn't mean a thing. The car most liley weighs in excess of 3500lbs and plus some major drivetrain loss. Recently I saw the base model in the Houston Auto Show, and a tear seriously came to my eye because this is just way too upsetting that Dodge would follow the "wanabe-classic-but aerodynamical- but sporty" etc. thing that every other auto manufacturer is dong. My perception of Dodge has always been that they are different and don't follow everyone else. After this car, I'm starting to second guess that. The caliber is a major mistake on your behalf. You should have just kept the neon/srt4 is production for a couple more years to make up for the money that is trying to be made off of the caliber. When sales of this car starts it will turn out to be a major flop.

[das2123]

Originally Posted by endlessheart666

When sales of this car starts it will turn out to be a major flop.

I think that is very possible.

[rsublime4life]

Originally Posted by das2123

I think that is very possible.

Ditto

[dodgeinfocenter]

Originally Posted by neon_rt

My understanding of the information (from Dodge) is that the CVT2 will simulate a 6 speed auto trans rather than an actuall CVT.

Hello neon_rt,

Thank you for the feedback. Where did you acquire this information?

Cheers,

Originally Posted by 96neonwidriver

somewhat nice setup however again whats wh=ith the hatchback it seems to look like the caravan and magnum thrown together. soo with that said, miguel, are we going to have any other choices than the stratus and viper to get a "car" rather than the focus looking deal. i like my neon because it has the trunk. its a security feature. cause i can put things in there and not have it open to the rest of the car and then be able to fold down the seats for bigger items. some of the features are great though man. glove compartment is cool and the center dash is very sleek looking. however are we going to be able to get the regular glove compartment, i like putting my electronic equipment in there, ie, computer, turbo boost, gauges, cd changer, and any other crazy custom items. nice car though honestly. ill test drive it. you still should look at a caliber without the hatch back. just my opinion.

bob

Hello Bob,

Thanks for the constructive feedback. There are without a doubt many cool and laudable features available on the vehicle. As for the deletion of the hatchback, I don't believe this is something that will occur any time soon. Mainly because this is part of what gives the vehicle its stylistic individuality. However, as you know, market trends can shift quite rapidly, and the possibility of such changes may at some point be feasible. But again, thanks for the constructive feedback; it's always a pleasure to read the candor in enthusiast's posts.

Regards,

endlessheart666,

Thank you for the honest feedback.

Cheers,

Miguel M.

[neon_rt]

It's in the press kit from DCX.
"Dodge Caliber’s CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers have calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an AutoStick® feature that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears."

[Miguel M.]

Originally Posted by neon_rt

It's in the press kit from DCX.
"Dodge Caliber’s CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers have calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an AutoStick® feature that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears."

In regards to your post, you are correct in stating that the Continuously Variable Transaxle 2 (CVT2), will, from a practical viewpoint, simulate a 6-speed manual transmission when coupled with the AutoStick® feature. Alone, the CVT2 operates as a 6-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the AutoStick® feature is standard only on the R/T trim level of the 2007 Dodge Caliber and not on the SXT trim level.

Cheers,

Miguel

[TEXSRT4]

so what about a car that can compete with the imports? why make a performance car that cant compete with the others in its class? get rid of the Mcpherson struts, and go with a wishbone suspension upfront with a 4link setup in rear. give us a computer we can tweak, a boost control system that doesnt fight adjustments, and for the love of socrates, STAY AWAY from direct injection!!!!!!!

[Miguel M.]

Originally Posted by TEXSRT4

so what about a car that can compete with the imports? why make a performance car that cant compete with the others in its class? get rid of the Mcpherson struts, and go with a wishbone suspension upfront with a 4link setup in rear. give us a computer we can tweak, a boost control system that doesnt fight adjustments, and for the love of socrates, STAY AWAY from direct injection!!!!!!!

Hello TEXSRT4 and thank you for the suggestions.

We feel that the standard technologies for the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber will definitely make a mark in the automobile industry. As far as aftermarket upgrades are concerned, there will always be the opportunity to perform those kinds of upgrades. Again, your comments and suggestions are truly appreciated and duly noted. If you happen to have any additional comments/questions regarding the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber, feel free to post.

I'll be around.

Miguel M.

[Miguel M.]

Well, if you guys happen to have any additional questions/comments regarding the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber, feel free to post. I would be more than happy to be of assistance.

Regards,

Miguel M.

[maykelcj]

As everybody here sayed. The Caliber is a car that looks anything but sporty. I really think that taking the neon of production was a huge mistake and I feel that the caliper is going to "impact the market" as you said. I think that market is going to be the soccer mom's and teen girls. If dodge is really "Different" why is it that it is trying to imitate all the other manufacture's ugliest cars? I'll say make more and better SRT4s and let's kick some import's asses!!!!!